If you’ve suffered a boiler breakdown before, you’ll know how frustrating and how costly it can be to resolve the issue. It’s manageable in the warmer months, because heating the house isn’t a necessity, but a broken boiler in the winter can cause serious problems. If you’re worried about this happening to you – perhaps you have an old or somewhat temperamental boiler – then there are precautions you can take to prevent your house turning into an igloo. Alternatively you could play the safe option and get in contact with a plumber to hep you sort out your Boiler Maintenance in Grand Rapids or wherever you are located. At least this way the problem can be resolved quicker.

Check Everything Regularly

If you keep your heating turned off during cold winter periods then you risk damaging your heating system by forcing it to work so much harder to warm up. Check your heating regularly to ensure your property warms reasonably quickly and efficiently. If you refrain from going long periods without using your heating then your boiler will be less likely to freeze up during a cold spell and break down. If your boiler suddenly stops working then check your pressure. There should be a dial on the boiler itself; check this as well as all your radiators and visible pipes for any signs of leakage. If you can’t find any evidence of a leak, then you should be able to manually increase the system pressure by using the valve handle on the boiler. However, adding too much pressure is dangerous, so be sure to consult your instructions first. You should also keep an eye on the fuel for your boiler, if you are in charge of your own heating oil supply, then this could be key to making sure your boiler functions properly with a proper level of fuel. If you did suddenly need a heating oil delivery then you might want to look into companies similar to Albert Culver Company or suppliers in your hometown to potentially find a supply of heating oil, should you need it.

Bleed Your Radiators

If there are areas of your radiator that aren’t as hot as you’d expect, you may have trapped air inside that’s blocking the heating system. Bleed your radiator to remove any excess air; not only will this increase the amount of heat your radiators produce, but it will improve the efficiency of your boiler. If the cooler areas remain cool even after you’ve bled the radiators, you may have sludge trapped inside which will require removal by a professional gas services engineer. Try calling Infinity Gas Servicesand explain your radiators need a chemical flushing. Also, bear them mind in case your boiler unfortunately does break. They operate an emergency call out service, as well as boiler installation and maintenance if you’re trying to pre-empt a winter breakdown.

Insulate and Thaw Pipes

If you have a condensing boiler, then you’re prone to suffering a boiler breakdown if you haven’t insulated your condensate pipe. The condensate pipe carries away condensation and runs outside of the house; however, this can freeze and become blocked if external temperatures fall. To restore boiler activity you’ll first need to thaw the pipe. To do this, pour hot water over the pipe or wrap in a warm towel or microwavable stuffed toy etc. You can then reset your boiler, but be sure to insulate your condensate pipe as soon as possible by using a material called lagging. In some instances, the pipes may need to be replaced to ensure proper boiler functioning. If that is the case, or you are unsure whether they need repairs/replacement, then get in touch with experts from the likes of Make It Drain Plumbing & Rooter for a complete resolution of the problem.

If your boiler is on its last legs, these suggestions will not prevent a break down. They may delay it slightly by easing the strain on your heating and hot water system, but do not rely on these measures to avoid any boiler problems indefinitely. The best way to determine to the health and lifespan of your boiler is to get it serviced, especially if it’s older. Manufacturers recommend annual services; don’t wait until your boiler breaks and you have to pay hundreds of pounds to get it fixed. Enjoy a warm winter; as long as you stay inside that is!